No fuel price hike, Sitharaman dismisses lockdown rumours

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday refuted rumours of lockdown in the country amid LPG shortage, and assured all that no such restrictions will be imposed in the country. She said, "I want to reassure people that there shall not be any lockdown." "I am surprised that some leaders are saying there will be a lockdown and there will be shortages of fuel. These are baseless. Such remarks coming from those in political domains are worrisome. There will be no lockdown such as we saw during Covid. I want to reassure people that there shall be no such lockdown as we saw in Covid," she said. Sitharaman  said that the government is ensuring that there is no price hike in petrol, diesel and even Aviation Turbine Fuel (ATF). Speaking to the media in New Delhi, Ms Sitharaman said, keeping the West Asia conflict situation in mind, the Prime Minister held a meeting in which it was decided that there should be no shortage of petrol, diesel and ATF, and their prices should not be increased due to the global situation. She said the government has slashed excise duty on petrol and diesel and decided to give support to Oil Marketing Companies so that they can import the material and the common people do not have to face any hike.

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman says, "I want to reassure people that there shall not be any lockdown..."

" I am surprised that some leaders are saying there will be a lockdown and there will be shortages of fuel. These are baseless. Such remarks coming from those in… https://t.co/3EltmVkKnn pic.twitter.com/vpwf1Jzrzf

— ANI (@ANI) March 27, 2026

Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri also made it clear that there will be no lockdown in the country, which was previously implemented during the pandemic period. He also criticised rumours of lockdown, calling it "irresponsible and harmful" is such a situation.  Puri reiterated the country's position in the ongoing energy crisis and said the global situation remains in flux. “We are closely monitoring developments across energy, supply chains, and essential commodities on a real-time basis. Under the leadership of Hon'ble PM @narendramodi Ji, all necessary steps are being taken to ensure uninterrupted availability of fuel, energy, and other critical supplies for our citizens. We are fully prepared to handle emerging challenges. India has consistently demonstrated resilience in the face of global uncertainties, and we will continue to act in a timely, proactive, and coordinated manner," he stated.